Almaden Valley Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Almaden Valley, located in San Jose, California, is home to a significant water supply infrastructure that plays a crucial role in providing irrigation and water supply to the surrounding areas.


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Summary

The dam in Almaden Valley, completed in 1965, stands at a height of 38 feet and has a hydraulic height of 36.3 feet. With a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet, the dam helps regulate water flow and manage water resources in the region, particularly for Tr Alamitos Creek.

Maintained by public utility owners and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for dam safety, Almaden Valley Dam is designated as having a high hazard potential. Despite this designation, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. Emergency action plans are in place, ensuring preparedness in case of any unforeseen events. The presence of this dam underscores the importance of water resource management and the critical role it plays in climate resilience and sustainable water supply practices in the region.

Almaden Valley serves as a vital hub for water resource management in Santa Clara County, California, showcasing the intersection of infrastructure, water supply, and environmental stewardship. The dam's role in ensuring water availability for irrigation and supply purposes highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and regulatory oversight in safeguarding water resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the presence of structures like the Almaden Valley Dam underscores the need for ongoing monitoring, assessment, and risk management to ensure the resilience of water supply systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

Tr Alamitos Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

36.3

Nid Storage

27

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.